In 2003, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that laws criminalizing same-sex relationships are unconstitutional. But Texas still has one of those laws on the books.

Now, the Texas House has voted to repeal it. House Bill 1738 would finally remove the state’s outdated and discriminatory “homosexual conduct” law from the penal code. The bill passed with bipartisan support.

Now it’s up to the Texas Senate.

This law is no longer enforceable, but keeping it in the state code sends a harmful message. It tells LGBTQ+ Texans they are still second-class citizens. It leaves the door open for future misuse. And it undermines the basic principle that everyone deserves equal protection under the law.

Some elected officials have already said they would defend this law if given the chance. That is why it must be removed — completely and without delay.

We are calling on the Texas Senate to pass HB 1738 and finally repeal this unconstitutional law. No one’s dignity, freedom, or equality should depend on politics.

Sign the petition to tell the Texas Senate to finish what the House started and strike this anti-LGBTQ law from state law for good.